smith



@eine gratte getraut @ffice Leners Parent No. 79,869, dated Juzg, 14,11868.

IMPBOVLD BRIDGE-BLOCK.

@tige ,Stigrntlt feierten tu in time Estima nttnt mit making und t tige sans.

ATo ALL WIIoM IT MAY CCNCERN:

Be it known that I, J. R. SMITH, of Springfield, Hampden eoud'ty, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improved Bridge-Block; and I do hereby declare-'that the `following is .a full and clear description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters ofreference markedV thereon. l

Figure 1 is a plan view of the arrangement 'of my blocl: in the interior, and

Figure 2 is a Sectional view of the block through the line K K ofg. 1.

This invention consists of a new and improved arrangement of the block and loch of the wrought-iron chords of u. bridge, whereby they are connected strongly together, and prevented from springing loose. l

My invention also enables these chords to be joined without reducing their ,sectionalaretn by putting bolts through them. A Y

Inconstruction, I form my block of 'two parts, A and B, A beingthe main body .of the block, andB seep fitting upon it.

vIn g. 1 the p art A is shown with the ends of the chords C C C, 82o., locked in it by means of the locks D D D, 8vo., and these, instead of being-bolted to the chords, as heretofore, are completely surroundedby the solid metal ofthe block, so that when the cap B is fastened on, it is impossible to stir the chords apart, unless such an enormous strain be put upon them as to force the block apart. Y l I if The tendency of the chords is to pull apart, and for this reason rectangular heads a a a, Ste., are formed upon them, and the locks formed coriespondingly. As, however, the chords are forged, it often happens that they do not exactly twith the locks, which are also wrought. In view of lthis, I insert wedges-.b b between'` the ends ofthe chords, shoulders ofthe chords, and locks, Steg, and thus make up the variation.

lWhen the parts are arranged as-n iig. 1, and the part B placed over. them, the latter is bolted on by means of bolts E E, passing through plates F F at each side, and through the block, these beingheaded and matted on the outside of each Aplate F, respectively.

` By this means I obtain a clamp-block, which prevents the possibility ofthe chords separating under a` strain commensurate with their strength of stock, and also renders the chords fastened in this way stronger than would be the case if bolt-holes were out through them, and the loek'fastcned by bolts, for each bolt-hole, makes the `chord of so much inoperative stock as is contained in the widthof the hole Carried through the whole length of ,the chord.

'Having described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l In combination with the wrought-iron locks D D, connecting the heads a a of the chords, the cast-iron block,'

filling inclosely around thej'oints, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.

u 'Rl SMITH. Witnesses:

' EDWARD 41I. HYDE,

J. `B. GAn'nmnn, 

